Consultant Microbiologist

Department: Laboratory Medicine / Microbiology & Serology

Reports To: Laboratory Director / Chief Pathologist

Location: [Insert City]

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Clinical Microbiologist to lead our Microbiology and Serology department. In this role, you will be responsible for processing biological specimens, identifying infectious pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), and performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The ideal candidate will ensure absolute analytical accuracy, oversee laboratory technicians, maintain strict quality controls, and comply with NABL and ISO regulatory standards to deliver timely, precise reports that guide patient treatment.

Key Responsibilities

• Diagnostic Testing & Analysis: Perform and oversee qualitative and quantitative analysis on clinical specimens (blood, urine, sputum, stool, swabs, and body fluids).
• Pathogen Identification: Cultivate, isolate, and identify pathogenic microorganisms using automated systems, biochemical testing, and microscopy.
• Antimicrobial Susceptibility: Conduct and interpret Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) to identify drug-resistance patterns and guide clinical antibiotic therapy.
• Specialized Assays: Run advanced serological tests, ELISA, and molecular diagnostics (such as PCR) for infectious disease profiles.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Implement and monitor Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS). Maintain documentation required for NABL / ISO 15189 accreditation.
• Lab Management & Supervision: Train and supervise laboratory technicians. Monitor workflow efficiency, sample turnaround time (TAT), and ensure absolute biosafety compliance.
• Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment (e.g., automated culture systems, blood culture monitors, and automated ID/AST systems).
• Clinical Collaboration: Coordinate with referring physicians and clinicians to interpret critical alerts, unusual resistance patterns, or panic values.
  
  

Key Competencies & Technical Skills

Competency Specific Skill Set Laboratory Techniques Culture media preparation, aseptic handling, staining (Gram, ZN), and microscopy. Automation Proficiency with automated blood culture (e.g., BD BACTEC, BacT/ALERT) and ID/AST systems (e.g., VITEK). Quality Control Deep understanding of Westgard rules, NABL documentation, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA). Software Experience handling Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

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